As a startup founder, preparing for the year ahead involves more than just setting ambitious goals. It requires a solid legal and compliance foundation to ensure your business is scalable, compliant, and investor-ready. Here are key action plans tailored specifically for startups to consider in 2025.

As the calendar flips to a new year, startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) have a fresh opportunity to review and strengthen their compliance practices. Legal and regulatory compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about setting your business up for sustainable growth. Below are ten key compliance areas every startup and SMB should prioritize at the start of the new year.

While the CTA’s future remains uncertain, small businesses and startups can use this time to strengthen internal practices, streamline record-keeping, and remain vigilant about developments in corporate compliance laws.

The holiday and party season is here! Customers are flocking to businesses for everything from event services and products to last-minute gifts, making it one of the busiest times of the year. But with the rush, there’s always the chance of encountering a frustrating situation: a client refusing to pay or leaving without settling their bill.

It’s unfair and inconvenient, especially during such a hectic time, but how you handle it matters. Staying calm and professional is essential to protecting your reputation and ensuring you can recover the payment. Here’s a guide to help small business owners navigate this tricky situation during the holiday rush.

Raising capital is one of the biggest hurdles for startups. Founders need funds to grow but often want to avoid giving away too much ownership or dealing with complex debt. One flexible, founder-friendly solution is the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). Initially introduced by Y Combinator in 2013, SAFEs provide a straightforward way for startups to raise funds without immediate valuation discussions or diluting ownership right away.

In recent years, medical marijuana has gained traction in many states as a legitimate treatment for various health conditions. While this has been a win for patients in need, it has also created a unique challenge for small business owners who want to create a safe, fair, and compliant workplace. Balancing the needs of employees, compliance with state and federal laws, and workplace safety is no easy task, especially for small businesses with limited resources.

Starting a business requires making decisions that lay a foundation for future growth, and one of the most crucial decisions is choosing a business structure. For many startups, an S-Corp (S Corporation) can offer benefits that align well with their growth plans, financial goals, and tax preferences. Here’s an in-depth look at when using an S-Corp might be right for your startup.